The Ministry of Caring is now accepting orders for its new book, “40 Years of Hope & Charity,” Executive Director Brother Ronald Giannone, announced.
“All proceeds from our book will go to our programs that feed, house, and provide other services for the homeless and poor,” Giannone said, adding that longtime ministry supporter Gert Abel has underwritten its publication.
“My greatest wish is that this book will raise the consciousness of many to the plight of the poor and hearts will be moved to generosity,” Giannone said. “That’s really the goal.”
The 266-page hardcover book, written by former News Journal reporter robin brown — now writer-in-residence at the Delaware Public Archives — sells for $30 with pick-up at the ministry office in Wilmington or $35 with postal delivery.
The author covered the Ministry of Caring for much of her 40-year News Journal career, Giannone said, so she has insight into the needs of the poor and the ministry’s growth to its current 19 programs, including the three-site Emmanuel Dining Room.
Beyond sharing the ministry’s evolution from an eight-bed shelter into a comprehensive network of services — now including job training and placement, crisis to permanent housing, hot showers and other help for the unsheltered homeless, child care, medical and dental care for the uninsured, affordable housing for seniors, and Delaware’s only homes for those living with HIV/AIDS — the book tells behind-the-scenes stories of community support, how Giannone came to Delaware and the Village of St. John, the largest project in the ministry’s history, now creating a $22 million housing complex for the elderly at the former Episcopal Cathedral Church of St. John in Wilmington’s historic Brandywine Village.
The book also details many ways to get involved.
“40 Years of Hope & Charity: Serving the Poor with Respect & Dignity,” may be ordered by credit card at ministryofcaring.org or by sending checks payable to the Ministry of Caring at 115 E. 14th St., Wilmington, DE 19801-3209. The book also is sold through amazon.com, although direct sales provide greater proceeds to the ministry.
